I decided to part ways with my 2016 friend and went shopping around for a new car. I can't believe how much this car made me pretentious about ride quality, driving position (1.9m, 6.2"), seats, road noise the whole package.

I test drove a Mini Countryman, what fresh hell is this, then an X3, again I don't really need my kidney stones dealt with (i like them ). The build quality is a bit better, but not by a lot. The ride is terrible...

Then went to test the C3 and the new Cactus, the feeling is so much different . Buttery smooth with vaseline

Pity the new Cactus is so bald (if no roof rails, they said they can add them for free?), bland and dreary... I feel I will switch to a C3 auto. It has so much kit and is cheap as hell for what it delivers. The new Cactus suspension and sound isolation are very good, C3 is less floaty but the insulation is the same I feel.

The other option is C3 Aircross, they had no test car, so I wonder anyone drove one? Feedback will be much appreciated.

I had the C3 Aircross for a day, what a car! I was instantly in love with it, in much the same way I was the Cactus, it feels really solid, the ride is smoother, quieter over bumps, I like the ride height too. Bodes well for the C5 Aircross, which I will consider in a few years time if they introduce a hybrid.
Go test one, you won’t be disappointed

On a similar note, I’m considering trading in for a bigger car, due my kids shooting up and demanding more leg room, and my wife more space in the boot. I have my eye on a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, as I only do about 12 miles a day, and the odd long trip, so I want to be more environmentally friendly, and save money at the same time.
As much as I love my Cactus, as do the kids, it’s time for a change. If the C5 has a hybrid option introduced, we may well come back, as we love the design flair that Citroen have.

Have you tried a VAG MQB platform car with adaptive dampers? I have these on my VW Golf GTi and it rides smoother than my Cactus when in “comfort” mode even though it is on 18” wheels. VW Tiguan/Seat Ateca and Skoda Karoq are the SUV variants with this optional feature.

...I have my eye on a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, as I only do about 12 miles a day, and the odd long trip, so I want to be more environmentally friendly, and save money at the same time...

A few words of caution - drive the Outlander for a decent period before signing up as I know a few people with them and they are truly awful cars to drive - people get them as a company car because the tax is cheap, it’s the same rationale as buying a Pick-up. They are also gutless on petrol power (it’s a naturally aspirated small engine pulling along over 2 tonnes of truck and battery).

The costs of replacing your car with an Outlander PHEV will far outweighs the minimal savings on 12 miles of fuel a day, I would be looking for a petrol saloon/ estate car, something like a Mazda 6 until Hybrid tech is brought into something appealing (unless you can afford the Passat GTE)

A few words of caution - drive the Outlander for a decent period before signing up as I know a few people with them and they are truly awful cars to drive - people get them as a company car because the tax is cheap, it’s the same rationale as buying a Pick-up. They are also gutless on petrol power (it’s a naturally aspirated small engine pulling along over 2 tonnes of truck and battery).

That reads as very good advice - I had no idea that the Outlander weight is twice that of the Cactus. The Mitsubishi must seem like driving a tank in comparison. And the new vehicle on-the-road prices are about in the same ratio as their weights. Whew.

The keen weight is actually 1860kg but loaded they are 2370kg - the engine is a 2.0 petrol with a paltry 121bhp and 140lb/ft of torque, clearly at the moment of ‘need’ it combines battery power but the issue many seem to have is when driving normally for any distance the economy is shocking.

And yes, they are expensive - heavily subsidised for fleets and on company car tax but as a private purchase they make no real sense.

I know a few people who bought them to tow a caravan and have found the battery depleted too quickly which means any sustained inclines see you having a combined 3.5t + mass being hauled by a 2.0N/A petrol engine and the accompanying economy and sweaty brow!

Hmmmm. Re the Outlander, I may well have to reconsider! It’s hard trying to do the right thing! I need a bigger car, I most certainly do not want a diesel ( 8 x more polluting than petrol according to the latest test results untainted by skewed results) which rules out a large number of vehicles. I’m stumped my budget is £20k max no diesel, and I’m looking for decent economy, any ideas?